Vienna marks fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine (PHOTO/VIDEO)

A number of political, diplomatic and public events took place in Vienna on 24 February to commemorate four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, CE Report correspondent Aytan Aliyeva reports from Vienna.

The initiatives ranged from high-level international statements to civic demonstrations and expert discussions on energy security, highlighting the continuing political, humanitarian and security consequences of the war.

OSCE leaders reaffirm support for lasting peace

In a joint statement issued on 24 February, the OSCE Troika - Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen — together with OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro and Secretary General Roberto Montella reaffirmed their support for a negotiated, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on international law and the Helsinki Principles.

They condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and all attacks on civilians, civilian objects and critical infrastructure, stressing that international humanitarian law must be respected. The leaders also highlighted the severe human impact of the war and the OSCE’s responsibility to address the most serious security crisis in its region.

Cassis said the Swiss Chairpersonship is prioritising diplomatic efforts to end the war through negotiations and that the OSCE stands ready to support both a settlement and its implementation.

Valtonen stressed that Russia’s aggression violates international law and that accountability for war crimes and the crime of aggression remains essential, adding that victims deserve justice.

Sinirlioğlu emphasised that the war must end in a just and sustainable peace, underlining the need for dialogue and multilateralism despite rising global tensions.

Pons Sampietro called for unity in supporting Ukraine and building a sovereign, secure and peaceful future for the country, while Montella reiterated that support for Ukraine has remained central to the Assembly’s agenda since 2014 and that protecting international law and Helsinki commitments is crucial.

The leaders also renewed their call for the release of detained OSCE staff members Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.

(Press release by the OSCE Communication and Media Relations Section)
“March of Light 2026” brings a public demonstration to Vienna

Vienna hosted a large public action titled “March of Light 2026: Four Years of Resistance” in front of the Austrian Parliament.

The organisers said the gathering aimed to show that the war is still ongoing and that Ukraine continues its fight for survival and victory. The event carried strong symbolic and political significance.

Participants sought to remind the world that the war is not over, that Ukraine is still fighting, and that supporters will continue their efforts until a just victory is achieved. They noted that over the past four years, people have contributed to the struggle in many ways: on the frontline, in the rearguard, through volunteer work and in the information space.

The participants sent a clear message: “We will not let our fight die out, we will not let indifference win.”

The event was not only a demonstration but also an expression of shared responsibility to those who lost their lives for freedom and to those who continue defending Ukraine. Speakers and participants emphasized that Ukraine’s struggle is also about the future of Europe. They highlighted 24 February as the day Ukraine became “a brand of courage” and the moment when the world united for democracy.

Conference highlights Russia’s energy war against Ukraine

The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, together with the Energy Community Secretariat, organized the event “Weaponizing Winter: Russia’s Energy War against Ukraine.”

The conference addressed Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which began in 2014 and intensified after the full-scale invasion in 2022, aimed to raise awareness of this strategy while highlighting international efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience.

Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, and Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine, delivered the opening remarks. The programme also included an overview of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, a screening of “The Last Prometheus of Donbas,” and an exhibition.

Established with the European Commission and Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy and administered by the Energy Community Secretariat, the Ukraine Energy Support Fund channels international assistance to repair energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. The Secretariat acts as a fiduciary and intermediary between donors and Ukrainian authorities. As of 11 February 2026, the Fund has received EUR 1.8 billion, with major contributions from the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Swiss Confederation, Denmark, Norway, and other partners.